Vitamin D and winter: How Canadians can get the nutrient without sunshine

Canadians don’t get a lot of sunshine in the winter months. Most wake up while it’s still dark out, and come back home after night falls.

The result of the shorter days is less natural vitamin D, explained Nazima Qureshi, a Toronto-based registered dietitian.

WATCH: How much vitamin D do we need?

“Sun is where people get most of their vitamin D,” Qureshi told Global News. “What happens in the winter is that it’s obviously not as sunny. Even on the sunny days, we’re all covered up because it’s winter time.”

Less vitamin D can have adverse effects on health. Health Canada explains on its website that the nutrient helps bodies break down and use calcium and phosphorous, which maintains stronger bones and teeth.

“Too little vitamin D can cause calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood to decrease, leading to calcium being pulled out of the bones to help maintain stable blood levels,” the health agency explains.